The mission of the Alta Loma School District is to help students succeed as learners and as citizens. The District recognizes that some students are challenged by special needs and limitations in accessing the curriculum to the maximum extent possible. It is the mission of the Alta Loma School district Special Education Department to support students with successful participation in the core curriculum to the maximum extent possible. Special education means specifically designed instruction and related services, at no cost to the parent, to individuals whose educational needs cannot completely be met with modifications of the general instructional program. Related services are specified in a student's Individual Education Plan or I.E.P. as part of his/her Free and Appropriate Education (F.A.P.E.).

Special education provides a full continuum of instructional program options to meet the individual educational needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. This instruction can include support within the general education classroom, pull-out or collaboration between general education and special education teachers, a special education classroom, home instruction, or instruction in hospitals and institutions.

In addition to classroom instruction, additional aids, supports and services provided to students in special education are called Designated Instructional Services (DIS) and may include, but are not limited to the following:

Speech and Language

Adapted Physical Education (APE)

Counseling

Occupational and/or Physical Therapy (PT/OT)

Specialized services for low-incidence disabilities

The Alta Loma School District follows the principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) guidelines. The IDEA establishes five guiding principles that are key to understanding the intent and the spirit of the law. They are the following:

Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE)

Appropriate evaluation and qualification of students for special education

Supports and services to students in the Alta Loma School District are provided by District Special Eduation Staff as well as support from the West End Special Eduation Local Plan Area (SELPA) which is a consortium of local school districts that provides on-going training, support and supplemental aid to District programs. For some students requiring services not provided through state schools and certified non-public agencies.